setting timing and linkage on '88 175 black max

[fofiveoh]

OK, hopefully these are some of my last questions...<br /><br />I am setting the timing and carb linkage on the motor, and only have the Clymer manual to go by. I'm not sure I totally understand the procedure, so I'll try to explain it the way I think the book is telling me to do it.<br /><br />The book says to disconnect the fuel line and wiring harness, I am guessing they mean to unplug the main connector on the side of the block, so the motor will not start.<br /><br />I understand about using the dial indicator to finding TDC and locating and setting the pointer to the .462" mark. That part is done.<br /><br />I understand the part about setting the idle stop and syncing the carb linkage, that is done.<br /><br />Now is where I am not 100% sure of what I am reading...<br /><br />I am to have someone crank the motor over (it won't start, right?) and while holding the lever to the idle stop, set the primary pickup screw to 7 degrees ATDC. I didn't even know I could use a timing light without the engine running.<br /><br />Once that is set, its time for the maximum spark advance setting. I am to pull the upper portion of the throttle lever (part that moves the trigger) forward to its stop, and adjust the stop to 20 degrees BTDC (again the motor is only cranking, not actually running).<br /><br />Now I need to set the full throttle stop to where it is doing the work instead of the butterflies. This makes sense.<br /><br />Last, I adjust the throttle cable barrel so it just slightly loads the idle stop screw. Makes sense.<br /><br />OK, thats the way I am reading it. Is this correct? And if it is, is this just a starting point, or can I run it like this and be done with it?<br /><br />Oh BTW, the manual notes that the throttle primary pickup should be 14 degrees ATDC, but for serial numbers 6618751 and above, it should be 7 degrees ATDC. My serial number is OB349499, which I am assuming refers to the 7 deg ATDC setting.<br /><br />One more thing...My trusty mechanic (see my other posts) has removed all the little "electrical boxes" that he said I didn't need. One of them I believe was a "spark advance module". Am I going about timing the thing in the right way even with this removed?<br /><br />Thanks so much, I am ready to be done with this thing and give it back to my dad!<br /><br />RIch

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: setting timing and linkage on '88 175 black max

The sparkplugs need to be out and you need a spark tester so the system still sends reliable sparks. You probably don't have one, so you can use the sparkplugs as long as you securely ground them somehow. 6 jumper wires with appropriate alligator clips work.<br /><br />I believe your hack (I reserve the term Mechanic for techs that actually Fix things) stupidly removed your warning module and your idle stabilizer. You'd need the idle stabilizer detached for this procedure anyhow. But I sure would look into putting those things back on. Merc didn't put them there so they'd need to charge more for their motors and employ a few more engineers. They serve a purpose.